Wandering Eyes

The first day of the Tattersalls Ireland July Store Sale was topped by an Order Of St George gelding at €55,000. Sold by Liss House to Gaynestown, lot 32 is from the same family as Grade 2-placed hurdler Carriganog (Shantou). Overall, eight horses made €30,000 or more, with a son of Harzand (lot 4) the other lot to breach the €50,000 mark. Brian Lawless picked up the Glebe Farm offering for €52,000. At the close of trade, 155 horses sold for €1,381,950. The average was €8,916 and the median was €6,000. The second and final day of the store sale will begin at 10 a.m. The post Order Of St George Gelding Tops First Day Of The July Store Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – When he found out he was going to need a new jockey, John Shirreffs didn't blink. He knew who was going to ride Baeza (McKinzie) in Saturday's $500,000 GII Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. And the jockey isn't all that new, not to Baeza. Baeza will be reunited with California-based Hector Berrios when he steps on the track to take on GI Kentucky Derby and GI Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief) and three others in the 1 1/8-mile traditional prep for the Aug. 23 GI Travers Stakes. Shirreffs knew a few weeks ago that he was going to be jockey shopping when Flavien Prat informed him he would be unavailable. Prat is heading to California to ride 'TDN Rising Star' Nysos (Nyquist) in the $300,000 GII San Diego Handicap. Prat rode Baeza in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont. Berrios was the rider for three of Baeza's first four starts, including a second-place finish in the GI Santa Anita Derby behind Journalism (Curlin). “I don't think there was another rider that we were really considering because of Hector's experience with the horse,” Shirreffs said Wednesday morning on the Saratoga backstretch. “It's hard to continually change riders on a horse. I think a horse, especially a young horse, needs a little consistency.” This will be the 37-year-old Berrios's first time riding at Saratoga. “Oh yeah, very comfortable with him,” Shirreffs said. “Hector is a professional rider. He studies the Form, he watches film. He has lots of experience and he has lots of experience with Baeza. He knows him in and out.” Baeza, owned by C R K Stable LLC and Grandview Equine, arrived in Saratoga on Friday night. After he walked on Saturday, he went to the track on Sunday. Shirreffs is looking forward to another chance at Sovereignty. Baeza finished third behind him in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont. In the Derby, he was 1 1/2 lengths behind him, but only beaten a neck for second by Journalism. Last month at the Belmont, run at Saratoga, Sovereignty beat Baeza by 6 1/2 lengths. “We've all seen (Sovereignty) run,” Shirreffs said. “He is a very nice horse. My horse has to run his best race, and I think Baeza has a better race in him.” Pressure Off Bauer After Halina's Forte Honorable Miss Win When Halina's Forte (Mitole) surprised just about everyone–including her trainer–when she won the GII Honorable Miss at 24-1 on Sunday, the pressure was off the barn. “Made our meet,” trainer Phil Bauer said at his barn on the Oklahoma training track Wednesday morning. “You don't want to set the bar too high coming up here because you will just get deflated. You hope to win one or two and we got our one. The longer the meet goes, and you haven't been able to get a win, it weighs on you a little bit.” Haliana's Forte wins the Honorable Miss | Coglianese Ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr., Halina's Forte was the second-longest price in the Honorable Miss field of eight. It was her second start this year after finishing second in the Prairie Rose Stakes at Prairie Meadows as the 4-5 favorite. That was her first start since November. Halina's Forte slipped up the rail and won the race by a half-length over R Disaster (Awesome Slew). 'TDN Rising Star' Scylla (Tapit), the 6-5 even-money favorite, was third. Last year, Halina's Forte, owned by Rigney Racing, won the Galway Stakes at Saratoga. “I was shocked when she did not win off the layoff,” Bauer said. “I thought that was kind of a walkover race. Sometimes they need one and I tried not to read into it too much and kept marching forward.” Bauer said he was more surprised that his other horse in the race–5-year-old mare Little Prankster (Practical Joke)–finished last. She was 17-1. Last year, Bauer had a successful summer at Saratoga with six wins in 17 starts. He has 14 horses in his barn. There is a chance Halina's Forte could be seen again. That would be in the seven-furlong, $500,000 GI Ballerina on Aug. 23, Travers Day. “We'll see how it comes up,” Bauer said. “('TDN Rising Star') Ways and Means (Practical Joke) might scare some horses away. If it's a position where you think you could get top three, it's probably worth running.” Looking For a New York Sweep The bonus is no more, but that doesn't mean a sweep of three New York-bred summer races doesn't mean anything. And that is the position trainer Rob Atras is in with his 3-year-old Train the Trainer (Dialed In). Train the Trainer wins the Mike Lee | Sarah Andrew In his last two starts, Train the Trainer won the Mike Lee Stakes at Saratoga on June 4 and the New York Derby at Finger Lakes on July 14. The third leg of the series is the $200,000 Albany Stakes on Aug. 21 and Atras is hoping to be there. From 1999 to 2015, the three races made up the Big Apple Triple and a horse that won all three legs would get a bonus of $250,000. “It would be nice,” Atras said when asked about the Big Apple Triple. “But it's alright. If he makes it to the race and runs big and happens to win it, I would be fine with that, too.” Train the Trainer began his career in California with trainer Mark Glatt. “He ran a really good second in his first race and Mark called me and asked if I would take the horse in New York,” Atras said. “They did not really have anything mapped out for him.” Train the Trainer, owned by Alipony Racing and Saints or Sinners, has won all three of his starts with Atras. He broke his maiden by five lengths, won the Mike Lee by 2 3/4 lengths and then the New York Derby by 4 1/2 as the 1-2 favorite. The likely favorite in the Mike Lee, Mo Plex (Complexity), was not able to run because his barn was under quarantine at the time. “After that race, we were not really sure what to do,” Atras said. “We weren't really pointing to the New York Derby; we were looking at maybe an allowance race.” He ultimately decided to head to Finger Lakes and two turns and Train the Trainer passed the test. Now, he'll try for the sweep. After that, who knows? “It's a possibility,” he said when asked about trying open company. “For now, we're going to take it one race at a time.” The post Saratoga Notebook, Presented by NYRA Bets: Shirreffs More Than Comfortable Having Berrios Back on Baeza appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. Counterbalance (f, 2, Caravaggio–Out of Balance, by Kitten's Joy) came flashing home to finish fourth in a race that held together quite well over opening weekend at Del Mar. Overlooked at 37-1 in her debut going five furlongs on dirt for trainer Michael McCarthy, the Amerman Racing homebred broke alertly from her inside draw, but was quickly outfooted. She was heading the wrong direction while under a ride in sixth as the highly touted, even-money favorite Cherry Cider (Tiz the Law) was hounded by Thank You India (Practical Joke) with eventual winner La Wally (Constitution) sitting the garden spot in third through an opening quarter in :21.97. Still with plenty to do with positions unchanged at the top of the stretch, Counterbalance began to figure things out from there and came rocketing home in a field-best :12.05 to finish three lengths adrift the winner while powering on impressively past the wire. La Wally was a nose better than Cherry Cider and it was another 2 1/4 lengths back to Thank You India in third. The final time for five furlongs over the fast going was :58.25. Counterbalance received a 55 Beyer Speed Figure. “I thought the race was very positive in that she accelerated in the lane going five furlongs to be fourth,” owner/breeder John Amerman said. “Importantly, she galloped out ahead of all the other horses in the race. We are very pleased with this daughter of Caravaggio's performance.” All 12 of Caravaggio's graded/group winners have excelled on grass, led by top-level winners Porta Fortuna (Ire), Whitebeam (GB) and Tenebrism. Counterbalance's dam and two-time winner Out of Balance (Kitten's Joy) made all 18 of her career starts on grass. She was produced by Balance (Thunder Gulch)–a half-sister to the once-in-a-lifetime Zenyatta–who carried the navy silks of Amerman Racing to a trio of Grade I victories at Santa Anita. Could a surface switch be in Counterbalance's future? “At this point, our options are open,” Amerman said. Since launching 'Second Chances' in 2017, 64 maidens have been featured in these pages (through 2024), producing 25% graded stakes winners, 34% stakes winners and 48% stakes horses. The series has introduced eight future winners at the top level, led by this year's GI Kentucky Derby and GI Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), 2023 Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin) and fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo). Did LA WALLY ($14.20) watch the Haskell earlier? The two-year-old daughter of Constitution (@WinStarFarm) absolutely flew down the lane to just catch favored Cherry Cider in the 6th at @DelMarRacing. What a ride by @Antonio1Fresu for trainer Mark Glatt. pic.twitter.com/e6n6opQ5U8 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) July 19, 2025 The post Second Chances: Well-Related Counterbalance Outruns 37-1 Odds in Del Mar Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kids Day will take place at Saratoga Race Course on Sunday, July 27. The celebration of racing and family fun will be presented in conjunction with the NYRA Students of Thoroughbreds and Racing (NYRA STAR), a signature program designed to welcome young fans to the sport of Thoroughbred racing. The first 5,000 children, ages 12 and under, will receive a Saratoga headband, presented by NYRA STAR, along with a $25 gift card to Hildebrandt's Ice Cream for the perfect start to a day of engaging, hands-on activities at the Spa. Kids Day will give children and families a special behind-the-scenes look at life on the track. Kids will accompany NYRA staff to perform various racing-day responsibilities, including announcing scratches and changes and the ceremonial call of “Riders Up” in the Paddock. The post Saratoga Race Course to Host Kids Day on July 27 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There will be a fervent hope for sunshine July 25 when the $200,000 Amsterdam Stakes (G2) is contested at Saratoga Race Course View the full article

Atlantic Friends Racing's Historic Heart fended off the challenge of grade 1 winner Proven Innocent to notch his first top-level triumph in the July 23 $150,000 A. P. Smithwick Memorial Handicap (NSA-1) at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

Thursday, Leopardstown, post time: 18:27, SAUDI CUP SILVER FLASH STAKES-G3, €36,000, 2yo, f, 7f 57yT Field: Balantina (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Brownstown (GB) (Cracksman {GB}), Composing (Ire) Wootton Bassett {GB}), Red Autumn (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Skydance (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Smexy (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Aidan O'Brien has farmed this and Composing could easily be his 15th winner after her success in a Curragh maiden that is working out well. Skydance has shaped well in two starts over shorter, with the latter being a third in the G2 Airlie Stud Stakes, and is bred to appreciate this step up in trip, while the Albany third Balantina sets the form standard. [Tom Frary]. Thursday, Leopardstown, post time: 18:57, JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION TYROS STAKES-G3, €36,000, 2yo, 7f 57yT Field: Flanker Jet (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Flushing Meadows (Wootton Bassett {GB}), North Coast (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Prospect Thunder (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}). TDN Verdict: Like the Silver Flash, Aidan O'Brien dominates the history of this Classic pointer, with his 16 winners including King Of Kings, Rip Van Winkle, Cape Blanco, Gleneagles, Churchill and Anthony Van Dyck. Flushing Meadows may have got turned over in the Anglesey last time, but so was the first name on that list and you get the distinct feeling that this is one of their best. There isn't much opposition, with the Listed Pat Smullen Stakes runner-up North Coast the only real threat back at seven furlongs. [Tom Frary]. Thursday, Sandown, post time: 15:20, THE EUROPEAN BLOODSTOCK NEWS EBF STAR STAKES-Listed, £40,000, 2yo, f, 7fT Field: Electoral College (War Front), Hayynah (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Hope Queen (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Jennifer Jane (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Mystic Moment (GB) (Time Test {GB}), Nandita (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Orion's Belt (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Tavana (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}). TDN Verdict: Orion's Belt scored with authority at Newmarket's July Festival and is one of the more likely types in a tight contest, with the Beverley winner Hope Queen and Wetherby scorer Jennifer Jane to be respected. [Tom Frary]. Thursday, Compiegne, France, post time: 18:23, PRIX PELLEAS-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, c/g, 10fT Field: Nizam (Fr) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Ephesus (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), Uthred (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}), Abando (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Green Cape (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Dioptase (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Jenilat Bright (Fr) (Birchwood {Ire}), Think Giant (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Gestut Ittlingen's German raider Abando was never a factor in this month's G1 German Derby and can stake a claim if reproducing the form of his third, behind German Derby sixth Zuckerhut and Hamburg hero Hochkonig, in June's G2 Union-Rennen at Cologne. Consistent G3 Prix Greffulhe runner-up Dioptase is an obvious danger and returns off a confidence-boosting tally over this trip at Salon de Provence last month. Last year's G3 Preis des Winterfavoriten second Think Giant has been out just once since, annexing a 10-furlong Chantilly conditions contest on sophomore bow four weeks ago. Philippe Decouz sends forth dual one-mile winner Uthred, who steps up in distance having run fifth the Listed Prix de Saint-Patrick last month. [Sean Cronin]. Friday, Ascot, post time: 14:25, THE FLEXJET PAT EDDERY STAKES-Listed, £50,000, 2yo, 7fT Field: A Bit Of Spirit (Ire) (Palace Pire {GB}), Cape Ashizuri (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Italica (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev, Reciprocated (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Sirius A (Ire) (Palace Pier {GB}), Time To Turn (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Tricky Tel (GB) (Ubettabelieveit {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Unbeaten and impressive at Nottingham and Carlisle, Reciprocated will be a warm order to continue the momentum in this often-informative race won in recent times by Chindit and Rosallion. A Bit Of Spirit is also two-for-two and untested so far, while the Ayr debut winner Cape Ashizuri looked a smart prospect and has the pedigree to go far. [Tom Frary]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: O’Brien Aiming For A 15th Silver Flash With Composing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Journalism (Curlin) won again, taking down the GI Haskell S. at Monmouth. But that's what we've come to expect from one of the sport's most consistent horses and the trainer, Michael McCarthy, who has pushed all the right buttons. To talk about Journalism and what's ahead for the 3-year-old, McCarthy joined this week's TDN Writers' Room Podcast, presented by Keeneland. McCarthy was this week's Gainesway Guest of the Week. Journalism is a throwback, an iron horse who doesn't miss any dances. McCarthy noticed early on how tough this horse was. “He was a horse early on that seemed to thrive on training and running as a 2-year-old, three races in seven weeks,” McCarthy said. “That kind of gave me the impetus that maybe he could handle something like the Triple Crown, if we were fortunate enough to get there, and we were. I thought his race in the Kentucky Derby was very good on a sloppy racetrack and he had a little bit of trouble early in the race. He came back and trained just as well for the Preakness and you saw what happened there. Then it seemed like to me like he may have even gotten better after the Preakness and had a very gutsy performance in the Belmont at Saratoga. We brought him back to California, tried to give him an easy 10 days, two weeks, and he didn't seem to be having it. So, we started back up with him lightly and he made it known pretty quickly that he wanted to get back to the work tab. So, I guess you could call him an iron horse. People call him a throwback. He's a horse that carries a lot of condition. He's a very smart horse and takes good care of himself.” As is so often the case with Journalism, he looked like he was spinning his wheels in the Haskell. Then, 100 yards or so before the wire, he took off like he was shot out of a cannon. “In the Haskell, going into the first turn, he had taken himself back a little bit farther than we're accustomed to,” McCarthy said. “Then going around the first turn, Umberto (Rispoli) gave him a tap on the shoulder and he re-engaged and put himself in contention by about the five-eighths pole. Sometimes with good horses, until they get to the quarter pole, you just never know where they're at.” What's next for Journalism? There are a number of possibilities, including the GI Travers S. and the GI Pacific Classic. “We'll kind of watch him here over the next week and maybe come up with a game plan,” McCarthy said. “But, as of right now, I think everything needs to be on the table. It'll be interesting to see what happens in the Jim Dandy this weekend. He's been on the plane, off the plane. Part of the reason for us to go to Monmouth, outside of it being a Grade I, was it was just the easiest locale to get to. You can fly directly into Newark. Obviously, if you head back to Saratoga, you've got to go to Newark. Hopefully, that's a direct flight to Newark and then a four or five-hour van ride to Saratoga. So a lot of those factors will come into play. Some horses thrive on shipping and running. Sometimes it gets to them a little bit, but we're going to give him an easy couple of weeks here before we come up with anything.” McCarthy served as a long-time assistant to Todd Pletcher. What did he learn from the Hall of Famer? “Showing up was probably number one,” he said. “You do whatever it takes to get the job done, and that was number two. Organization was definitely number three. Anyone that walks into Todd's barn can see. They get things done in a timely fashion and everything is professional. So, there's a lot of things. I could start and we could talk about this for quite some time.” In our “Fastest Horse of the Week,” segment which is sponsored by WinStar, the team went over the many reasons there are to breed to WinStar stallion Life Is Good. The fastest horse of the week was the Pride of New Jersey, Book 'em Danno (Bucchero). He got a 111 Beyer for his win in the GII Alfred G. Vanderbilt S. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by 1/ST Racing, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, the KTOB and 1/ST TV, the team of Zoe Cadman, Bill Finley and Randy Moss talked about Chad Brown's big day Saturday at Monmouth, where he won four races and increased his lead on his rivals in the trainer's standings. They looked at the blowout win by Scottish Lassie (McKinzie) in the GI Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga. The show wrapped up with a discussion of the interview that Kentucky Governor and 2028 Presidential hopeful Andy Beshear did with the TDN. To watch the Writers' Room, click here. To view the show as a podcast, click here. The post Michael McCarthy Joins the TDN Writers’ Room Podcast, presented by Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features a half-brother to G2 Blandford Stakes winner and G1 Irish Oaks second Cayenne Pepper. 5.25 Leopardstown, Mdn, €20,000, 2yo, 8fT MONTREAL (IRE) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is one of two Ballydoyle runners in this maiden won in 2022 by Tower Of London and the choice of Ryan Moore. A half-brother to the G2 Blandford Stakes winner and Irish Oaks runner-up Cayenne Pepper, he is joined by fellow newcomer Pierre Bonnard (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), a son of the G1 Nassau Stakes winner Sultanina (New Approach). The post Cayenne Pepper’s Half-Brother Montreal An Eyecatcher For Ballydoyle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $135,000 Curlin Stakes at Saratoga is not a time-honored path to the Travers Stakes (G1). Yet the Curlin serves a purpose as one last chance to swim in a shallow pond before heading over to much deeper waters in the Aug. 23 Midsummer Derby.View the full article

Hidden Brook Farm's commitment to top-tier horsemanship is being proven once again with the emergence of Dr. Venkman, who seeks his first grade 1 victory July 26 in the Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) at Del Mar. View the full article

Irishman Brian Acheson has acquired a minor stake in Ecurie des Monceaux. The news was confirmed by Monceaux's Henri Bozo to Jour De Galop on Wednesday evening. A prominent NH owner under the Robcour banner, Acheson has now handed Bozo more financial firepower to continue the French Flat nursery's consigning dominance at the upcoming Arqana August Yearling Sale. Monceaux has led the vendor table for each of the past 13 years. “I am delighted to have a new partner on board, a successful entrepreneur with dynamic ideas who will strengthen our team,” Bozo told the JDG of the new arrangement with the chief executive of Dornan Engineering. A multiple Grade 1-winning owner, Acheson's best runners have been Teahupoo (Masked Marvel), Gerri Colombe (Saddler Maker), Bob Olinger (Sholokhov) and Irish Point (Joshua Tree). The Arqana August Sale runs from August 16-18 in Deauville. Monceaux fields a 38-strong consignment, with a Zarak son of G1 St Leger heroine Simple Verse (Duke Of Marmalade) (lot 257); a daughter of Zarak who is a half-sister to group winner and dual Group 1-placed Vespertilio (Night Of Thunder) (lot 205); lot 149, a Frankel filly who is the first foal of G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches victress Mangoustine (Dark Angel); and a Night Of Thunder filly out of listed winner and bluehen Prudenzia (Dansili) (lot 206) some of the draft's highlights. Added Bozo, “We've had a lot of visitors inspecting the yearlings, some from France but also from abroad, which is a very positive sign. I'm looking forward to the sale.” Monceaux will also be stepping into the fray as a buyer this year in an increasingly competitive market for top-end fillies. “We have relaunched our partnership to invest in a few yearling fillies at the European sales this year. We believe they represent our best chance to get our hands on top-level broodmares.” The post Brian Acheson Acquires Part Of Ecurie Des Monceaux appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Collier Mathes's Chesapeake Farm has added Finn Green to consult and handle client relations and business development, it was announced in a release Wednesday. Chesapeake Farm operates on 2,000+ acres of leased land from Overbrook Farm and Wimbledon Farm in Lexington. Green is a fourth-generation Kentucky Thoroughbred horseman. He was racing manager for GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner Mucho Macho Man and a consultant for champion Runhappy. He will continue to operate his deWaal Thoroughbreds, LLC consulting and management company while working at Chesapeake Farm. “Collier and I have known each other for over 15 years,” Green said. “I'm humbled and excited to work with and for Collier. Collier has the capability to both increase and improve his business.” The post Chesapeake Farm Adds Finn Green appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

William Buick has been confirmed as the rider of Field of Gold in the July 30 Sussex Stakes (G1) at Goodwood and enjoyed a first feel of the classy Juddmonte-owned gray on the Newmarket gallops July 23.View the full article

The New York Racing Association announced July 23 that the precautionary quarantine of barn 28 at Saratoga Race Course has been lifted by the New York State Department of Agriculture effective immediately.View the full article

William Buick has been confirmed as the rider of Field of Gold in the July 30 Sussex Stakes (G1) at Goodwood and enjoyed a first feel of the classy Juddmonte-owned grey on the Newmarket gallops on Wednesday morning.View the full article

The precautionary quarantine of Barn 28 at Saratoga Race Course has been lifted by the New York State Department of Agriculture (NYSDA), effective immediately, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced Wednesday. As a result, all horses stabled in Barns 28 are once again permitted to enter races, as of today, Wednesday, July 23, and to train with the general horse population beginning Thursday. Barn 28, which contains horses under the care of trainer Mike Maker and Mark Casse, was placed under a precautionary quarantine on Saturday, July 19, when the Maker-trained 4-year-old filly [Surprenant Cocca] presented symptoms of strangles and was transferred offsite to be tested for a number of potential ailments. Three subsequent PCR tests and a subsequent culture all returned negative for strangles. Furthermore, no additional symptomatic horses were identified during the precautionary quarantine period. The post Precautionary Quarantine of Barn 28 at Saratoga Lifted appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 07/18/2025 Licensee: Joseph David Perez, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Digits on 6/15/25. Date: 07/17/2025 Licensee: Arthur Agostini, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of internal adjudication panel. Explainer: Violation for the use or attempted use of a Class C controlled medication on Guaio during the race period, an event dated 12/27/24. Guaio did not make a start on that date. Pending ADMC Violations 07/21/2025, Joe Toye, trainer: Pending vet's list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a Class B controlled substance—in a sample taken from Valley Echo on 6/20/25. 07/21/2025, Ray Handal, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone—a Class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Valtellina, who won at Aqueduct on 4/10/25. 07/18/2025, Sergio Morfin, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol—a Class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Lady Dosia, who finished sixth at Santa Anita on 6/12/25. Violations of Crop Rule Colonial Downs Weston Hamilton – violation date July 18; $1,500 fine, three-day suspension Delaware Park Carlos Eduardo Lopez– violation date July 17; $500 fine, two-day suspension Monmouth Park Umberto Rispoli – violation date July 19; $6,000 fine, one-day suspension More on that story here. The post National Regulatory Rulings, July 17-23 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Over three years have now elapsed since the death of Major Christopher Hanbury, but still his influence is all over the success his Triermore Stud has enjoyed in recent weeks, continuing the legacy of a man whose colourful life brought him winners everywhere from the Cheltenham Festival to the Breeders' Cup. Just last month Hanbury was among the successful breeders at Royal Ascot again when Saeed Suhail's Never So Brave proved himself a handicap blot in the Buckingham Palace Stakes. The son of No Nay Never then took the step up to Pattern company in his stride when recently returning to Ascot to win the G2 Summer Mile, with the promise of better to come should he take up his next intended engagement in the G1 City Of York Stakes. “Sure, he looks like a different horse this year, doesn't he?” sums up stud manager Paul McDonnell, who oversees the day-to-day running of Triermore Stud, which was once Hanbury's childhood home. Now, the County Meath operation is home to around 15 mares belonging to the family, headed up by Hanbury's widow, Bridget. Chica Whopa (Oasis Dream), the dam of Never So Brave, has quickly proved herself an invaluable member of that broodmare band. As well as Never So Brave, she has already produced the G2 Richmond Stakes-winning sire Barraquero, Listed scorer Pirate Jenny and a Wootton Bassett filly who fetched 420,000gns last year at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. “We bought her privately on the back of Barraquero,” McDonnell says of Chica Whopa. “For her first covering we went to Exceed And Excel and we bred Pirate Jenny. She was a Listed winner and made a lot of money at the sales last year [when bought by Amo Racing for 500,000gns]. “Never So Brave was a nice, big foal, typical of No Nay Never, and he sold well as a yearling [at 240,000gns]. He's obviously improving and I think he has a Group 1 target next.” He adds, “Chica Whopa was barren last year. We had a couple of little hiccups, but she's safely in foal now to Auguste Rodin and due in January.” Never So Brave wins the Group Two Summer Mile Stakes at @Ascot! The son of No Nay Never takes the rise in Class in his step, mowing down the tearaway Point Lynas in the closing stages to score for @AndrewBalding2 and @davidprobert9! Where would you go next if you owned him? pic.twitter.com/LP8w32pjeS — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) July 12, 2025 Victory at the top level for Never So Brave would see him cement his position among Triermore Stud's most famous graduates, alongside the likes of Line Of Duty (Galileo), the Godolphin purchase who completed Hanbury's journey from Cheltenham Festival-winning owner to Breeders' Cup-winning breeder when landing the Juvenile Turf in 2018. Another landmark occasion was provided by Line Of Duty's half-sister, Onassis (Dubawi), who Hanbury raced himself in Triermore Stud's pink silks with blue cap. She preceded Never So Brave as a Royal Ascot winner when landing the 2020 Sandringham Stakes, before adding a pair of Listed victories to her tally later that year. Line Of Duty and Onassis both feature among the best progeny of Jacqueline Quest, who was memorably demoted after passing the post first in the 1,000 Guineas of 2010, before developing into arguably Triermore Stud's most prized mare after being bought for 600,000gns at the following year's Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Jacqueline Quest, who also produced the ill-fated G3 Rathbride Stakes winner and G1 Prix de l'Opera second Jackie Oh (Galileo), sadly died in May 2022 at the age of 15, with her loss coming a matter of days after the death of Hanbury himself. Under those circumstances, the Hanburys could have been forgiven for scaling back their breeding enterprise in the subsequent years, but instead there exists a determination to develop further what was built by the family's patriarch, with the hope being that a couple of Jacqueline Quest's daughters can step up to assist them in their aims. “He was a lovely man who seemed to get on with everybody,” McDonnell says of the late Christopher Hanbury, before revealing the extent to which things have changed in his absence. “If anything, we've bought more mares,” he continues. “Chica Whopa would have been one of the last mares we bought whilst Mr Hanbury was still with us. Since his passing, Mrs Hanbury has upped the ante a little again and we've purchased five or six mares. At the minute we'd have around 15 broodmares of our own, with a few private mares here as well for a client. “We were a bit unlucky last year with Jackie Oh. She looked like she could have been very good at one stage as well, but we have Onassis and an unraced Wootton Bassett filly out of Jacqueline Quest called Yam Sing. Onassis has a lovely Frankel yearling – I'd say this year we've probably got as nice a group of yearlings for the sales as we've had.” Another member of that group who comes in for a favourable mention is the Wootton Bassett filly out of Detailed (Motivator), whose pedigree could yet receive a significant update before her appearance at a major yearling sale this autumn, with her two-year-old full-brother, Daytona, looking destined for stardom judged on his two starts to date. A colt going places Wootton Bassett colt Daytona defies obvious greenness to win the Listed Pat Smullen Stakes with loads in hand. He's a horse we're going to be hearing plenty more about. @coolmorestud | @Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/FocxbrAB9N — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 5, 2025 More on Daytona shortly, but first a word for the dam who battled back from a career-ending injury to gain a place among the select broodmare band at Triermore Stud, having been bought for 250,000gns at the 2019 December Mares Sale. “She was bought in partnership with Paget Bloodstock and Clare Castle,” McDonnell says of Detailed. “She was a good, tough racemare. She was a Listed winner and placed in black-type races multiple times, so it all made sense. “She's not overly big and most of her stock seem to be better looking than her, if you know what I mean. But she's had some good coverings and she gets nice, quiet horses who are easy to deal with. Wootton Bassett has put a bit of size into Daytona and the filly for the sales this year isn't just as big, but she's a lovely, sweet filly with a great walk.” Whilst Detailed's first two runners didn't pull up any trees on the racecourse, she certainly appears to have come good with Daytona, who followed his debut win at Gowran with an emphatic victory in the Listed Pat Smullen Stakes at Naas to earn Classic quotes for next year. A European Classic winner might have eluded Hanbury in his 78 years on this planet, but there remains that chance for another posthumous accolade, with Daytona featuring among the two-year-olds of 2025 who were conceived just a short time before the stud owner's death. For a man whose achievements spanned so many of this sport's biggest stages, wouldn't it be a fitting way for him to go out as a breeder if Daytona could progress sufficiently to take his chance at Newmarket or Epsom next year? “It would be, definitely,” McDonnell agrees. “He looks like he could be anything, so I suppose it's wait-and-see time. The buzz doesn't wear off when you get a horse like him and it's lovely for Mrs Hanbury to have him to get excited about.” The post Never So Brave, Daytona and the Legacy of the Late Christopher Hanbury appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Stewards in New Jersey issued jockey Umberto Rispoli a one-day suspension and fined him $6,000 for exceeding the permitted number of riding-crop strikes in riding Journalism to victory in the July 19 Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park.View the full article

The Jockey Club has agreed a new partnership with the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) in Australia, which will grant annual members at all 15 Jockey Club Racecourses complimentary admission to all MRC fixtures. The arrangement will initially be in place from August 1 this year through to December 31, 2026. The MRC operates three of Victoria's leading racecourses – Caulfield, Mornington and Sandown – and hosts 80 race days annually, with 13 Group 1 races at Caulfield. In return, MRC annual members will gain complimentary admission to any fixtures staged at Jockey Club Racecourses, including world-renowned events such as the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National Festival and four of the five British Classics, subject to availability. Already the winners of the G2 Jockey Club Stakes and G2 Princess Of Wales's Stakes, both run at Newmarket, earn ballot exemption into the G1 Caulfield Cup in mid-October, as part of an existing arrangement between the Jockey Club and the MRC. In addition, the winner of the G1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield in February earns an invitation, free entry and travel incentives for the G1 July Cup at Newmarket's July Festival. Matthew Woolston, Assistant Racing and International Director at the Jockey Club, said, “We are very proud to strengthen our association with the Melbourne Racing Club with this new reciprocal membership access agreement. “This exciting new association will see anyone who is an annual member at any of our 15 racecourses gain complimentary admission to any MRC fixture, thereby offering the chance to watch and be at the heart of some of the very best racing in the world, including one of Australia's leading races – the Group 1 Caulfield Cup. “MRC annual members will also gain complimentary admission to any of the Jockey Club's 320 annual fixtures, handing Australian fans the perfect opportunity to sample some of the UK's very best racing throughout the year.” The post The Jockey Club Announces New Reciprocal Agreement with the MRC appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A panel of racing experts voted Irad Ortiz Jr. as Jockey of the Week for the week of July 14-20. He won at Finger Lakes, Saratoga, Monmouth Park, and returned to Saratoga for another win, ending the week with 10 wins. View the full article

Racing Welfare marked its 25th anniversary with a dinner at Windsor Castle, with Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal in attendance. The only racing charity that supports all of racing's workforce–from stable staff and racecourse employees to stud workers and retirees–the anniversary represents a significant moment in recognising its lasting contribution to the wellbeing of the sport's people. The evening, hosted by Tom Stanley, brought together individuals from across the racing community, dedicated supporters, and key partners to reflect on Racing Welfare's impact since its formation in 2000. The charity's president, Her Royal Highness addressed the gathering with a tribute to the work of Racing Welfare and commitment to those it serves. Guests were welcomed at Windsor Castle, where they enjoyed a drinks reception and dinner. During the evening, Warren Greatrex gave an emotive personal account of the support provided by Racing Welfare to him and his team in tragic circumstances, giving guests an insight into the charity's vital services in action. Racing Welfare chief executive Dawn Goodfellow said, “To be able to celebrate this milestone in the company of so many who have supported and championed Racing Welfare is a truly special moment. We are especially honoured by the presence and continued presidency of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, whose support means so much to the charity and the people we serve. This event not only marks our 25th anniversary year, but also reaffirms our commitment to being there for racing's people, whenever and wherever they need us, and to making sure that everyone in racing knows: you are not alone.” The post Racing Welfare Celebrates Quarter-Century appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Taylor Made Farm-based freshman sire Knicks Go (Paynter) is responsible for two Stateside winners and dual Russian scorer Siradin and doubled his European tally, with a fourth winner overall, when Nick Bauer's Listed Chesham Stakes sixth Tailgunner Joe shed maiden status at the second attempt in Wednesday's Download The Raceday Ready App Restricted Maiden Stakes at Catterick. Recovering from a tardy start to race on the front end after the initial strides of this seven-furlong heat, the 11-8 favourite was rowed along on the home turn and kept on relentlessly under continued urging inside the final quarter-mile to subdue the persistent threat of Princess Maitha (Circus Maximus) by a length. The Kentucky-bred is a half-brother to December's GI Matriarch Stakes heroine Sacred Wish (Not This Time). Tailgunner Joe is the latest of seven reported foals and sixth scorer out of a half-sister to GII Dwyer Stakes-winning sire Mint Lane (Maria's Mon), GI Vanity Handicap second Sister Girl Blues (Hold for Gold) and to the dams of GI Shadwell Turf Mile and GI Frank E Kilroe Mile victor Bowies Hero (Artie Schiller) and GI Cigar Mile hero Sharp Azteca (Freud). Sister Girl Blues, in turn, is the dam of Grade III-winning GI Kentucky Derby and GI Los Alamitos Futurity runner-up Firing Line (Line Of David). . Sixth on debut in the Chesham last time, Tailgunner Joe (Knicks Go) strikes for the in-form @dylancunha_uk at @CatterickRaces pic.twitter.com/pKhdstFAOY — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 23, 2025 The post Tailgunner Joe Strikes at Catterick for Taylor Made Farm’s Freshman Knicks Go appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced juveniles from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes, sponsored by OBS Sales, highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, including links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Thursday at Saratoga. Thursday, July 24, 2025 Saratoga 1, $80k, 2yo, f, (R), 6f, 1:10 p.m. Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Fonzi Angel (Liam's Map), OBSAPR, 20,000, :10 4/5 C-Niall Brennan Stables, agent; B-Cammarota Racing LLC Mia Sophia (Goldencents), OBSAPR, 30,000, :10 1/5 C-McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds; B-Neal E Hayias Sparkling Mama (Vekoma), OBSAPR, 5,000, :10 2/5 C-Six K's Training & Sales, agent; B-Dominick Schettino Saratoga 3, $80k, 2yo, (R), 6f, 2:18 p.m. Antonino (Candy Ride {Arg}), OBSAPR, 45,000, :10 2/5 C-de Meric Sales, agent; B-Eduardo Soto Hoosick Falls (Authentic), OBSAPR, 50,000, :10 2/5 C-Top Line Sales LLC, agent; B-Saratoga Robin Racing Stable Mr. J (Mendelssohn), OBSAPR, 50,000 PS, :21 1/5 C-Omar Ramirez Bloodstock, agent; B-J Mackor for K Johnston The post Summer Breezes Sponsored By OBS: Thursday, July 24, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article